Civic Engagement
Making a difference in our communities doesn't just happen. It takes hard work and motivation. It is the process of becoming informed, learning new skills, and taking part in our civic lives. At Sandy Spring Friends School, our goal is to teach our students how to be accountable for their actions, to take ownership of them, and to act with intention. We encourage our students to be conscious and conscientious citizens who contribute positively to the world around them, and our School fosters the skills needed to do this effectively.
SSFS Guidelines on Civic Engagement & the School Environment
This print-friendly pdf provides further details about how Sandy Spring Friends School approaches civic engagement in an election year and each day of every year.
Community-Based Education to Foster Globally-Aware Citizens
At Sandy Spring Friends, we believe that an education rooted in community encourages our students to become globally-aware citizens who can become self-sustaining, empathetic, and respectful individuals in our ever-changing society and world.
Civic Engagement Through Self-Advocacy
Sandy Spring Friends School is deeply committed to civic engagement through our mission to “Let Your Lives Speak.” By fostering critical thinkers and compassionate self-advocates, our students become changemakers in their community and in the world.
Civic Engagement: Key Skills
Civic engagement allows our students to develop and practice key skills for leadership and life-long learning. Specifically, civic engagement encourages:
- Active listening and inquiry
- Deep reflection and analytical thought
- Considering evidence and counter-evidence collaboratively
- Creative problem-solving where teachers partner with students in the learning process
- Ability to see, understand, and hold multiple perspectives fostered by a culture of respect